New blissful venues from Ionian Weddings

Dec. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- As interest in getting married abroad increases, Ionian Weddings, a specialist and award-winning consultancy for bespoke weddings in the Greek Islands and Cyprus, is delighted to introduce new and exclusive venues – available at affordable prices - to its stunning and unique portfolio.

Consider the following magical new options:

• Ayii Anargyri, Cyprus
Set in tranquil surroundings but just 25 minutes drive from Paphos, Ayii Anargyri is a 17th century former monastery - founded in 1649 by two brothers to care for the sick - now an elegant spa haven, where guests benefit from the healing properties in the natural spring waters.  Ceremonies can be held inside or outside the small chapel in the grounds, whilst the wine vault is a unique venue for receptions.

• So White boutique hotel, Cyprus
Due to open in April 2012, this deluxe boutique hotel – with a roof terrace - is located by a glorious sandy beach a few kilometres outside Ayia Napa. Couples can marry under a gazebo in the landscaped tropical gardens, with ocean views. So White’s contemporary Japanese restaurant, Nozomi (also in London’s Mayfair) is perfect for a stylish reception, overlooking the seafront.

• Melissani Lake, Kefalonia: a most spectacular subterranean setting for a wedding. This beautiful lake sits enclosed by grotto walls that are up to 36 metres high and covered with 20,000 year old stalactite and stalagmite formations. Be married in a boat floating on the neon-blue water, basking in the vast shaft of sunlight that floods this ultimate romantic location.  

• Achilleion Palace, Corfu: located approximately ten kilometres south of Corfu, this architectural beauty was originally built in the 1890s for the Empress of Austria. The Palace is Pompeian in style and fronted by a statue of the mythical hero Achilles gazing northwards towards Corfu Town.

• Fanari Lighthouse, Kefalonia
A magnificent colonnaded pavilion, known as the Fanari Lighthouse, situated at the end of a tiny peninsular, two kilometres from Argostoli. Tie the knot overlooking the sparkling waters and hold the reception close to a watermill by the sea.

• Overlooking Skaros Rock, Santorini
Get married on one of the most picturesque private terraces on Santorini, with unforgettable views of the caldera and the island’s most famous landmark, Skaros Rock, a former fortified settlement.

Today’s couples look for value when planning their wedding day – the average cost of £20,000 to get married in the UK is simply too much for many. Whilst, currently, only 10% of people are aware that weddings abroad are cheaper than those in the UK, this figure is set to rise.  According to research, weddings abroad are forecast to increase by around 7% year on year*; this is also reflected in statistics that show that weddings in the UK have fallen by 11.5%, mainly due to budgetary constraints.

The average cost of getting married abroad is £6,585, whilst getting married in Greece or Cyprus with Ionian Weddings can cost as little as £2,500.

Imagine a tailored, intimate ceremony on a private island (the only one in Greece that can be hired completely and privately); a beach wedding with exclusive use of the nearby beach restaurant; a deluxe boutique hotel, hired in its entirety; a winery or a traditional windmill, to name but a few of Ionian Weddings’ venues.  Leave the legal paperwork to Ionian Weddings and let a personal wedding co-ordinator arrange flowers, photographer, bridal car, reception and music – all included in a blissful, tailor-made package.

Jane Palikira, who co-founded Ionian Weddings with her husband Andreas, says: “Over the past four years we’ve provided a completely tailor-made service to hundreds of couples and, this year, we are delighted to have been commended in the “Best Business Category” in the Richmond Business Awards. We look forward to continuing to use our detailed knowledge of the Greek Islands and Cyprus, our own personal experience of getting married in Greece and our extensive network of contacts to arrange all kinds of weddings, paying exceptional attention to detail so couples can be assured that the most important day of their lives is in safe hands.”

Ionian Weddings’ destinations include the Ionian Islands of Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada (Lefkas), Meganissi, Kefalonia (Cephalonia), Ithaki (Ithaca), Zante (Zakynthos), and the Aegean Islands of Skiathos, Santorini, Mykonos, Kos, Rhodes, Amorgos, Samos, Thassos and Crete plus Cyprus.  The company also offers tailor-made options to other destinations in the Greek Islands on request.

For couples considering a Greek island or Cyprus wedding, the company offers a two-hour consultation meeting for a small fee which is fully refundable if the couple makes a booking. Additional services include assistance with booking accommodation for the wedding party and full documentation arrangements.

For more information, visit Ionian Weddings at www.ionianweddings.co.uk or call 020 8892 7556.

Ends
8 December 2011

Notes to editors:                                                          
1. Ionian Weddings was commended in the Richmond Business Awards “Best Business Category” in October 2011
2. The company was founded in March 2007 by Greek-born Andreas Palikiras and his English wife, Jane, who have over 15 years’ experience in the travel industry.
3. To date, Ionian Weddings has arranged over 450 weddings in the Greek Islands and Cyprus.
4. Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Civil, Greek Orthodox, Jewish and Protestant weddings can be arranged.
5. Client testimonials can be found here.
6. Images and case studies are available on request.
7. See attached fact sheet for full list of venues.

*Mintel Report 2010

Media Enquiries: For further information on Ionian Weddings or to interview the founder directors, please contact Mika Bishop or Julia Farish at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email m.bishop@travelpr.co.uk or j.farish@travelpr.co.uk.

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